You’ve finally gotten to the point where you have applied for the job you have always dreamed of. And guess what? You’ve made the cut for an interview! Congratulations! You are now one step closer to achieving your goal.
Getting an interview for a job position is typically first met with a feeling of euphoria and excitement. That’s before the nervousness sets in, that is. As much as we hope to get the job in question, we need to complete that nerve-wracking interview process first.
Interviewing is a two-way street. It’s your time to shine while you share your personality, your experience, and your career goals. It’s also an opportunity to figure out if the company’s mission aligns with your end goals and if the environment is on you hope to find yourself in. With an HR system, it should be easy for a company to be able to showcase this during the interview process.
In order to ace your interview, some prep work is required. Below are tips that will get you started.
-
Research the company
Browse the company in question’s website, social media pages, and press releases to see if their core values align with yours. This research will give you an idea of what the tone of the interview may be and what type of voice you should bring to the table.
-
Practice Potential Questions
Most recruiters borrow their questions from the internet. So, all you need to do is browse online to discover what the most commonly asked questions are. Take some time to answer a few of the most popular questions. Write down your answers and say them out loud. Knowing what to expect will set you at ease and you will appear more relaxed and confident during the interview.
-
Be Punctual and Presentable
If you are late for an interview then you may be off to a bad start. If you are on time, then you have already proven that you are punctual, reliable, and eager. At the same time, you want to dress the part. By putting effort into your attire, you will show the interviewer that you are serious about the position and that you acknowledge the importance of this opportunity.
-
Prepare a Compelling Story
The best interviewees are ones who can describe themselves interestingly and in a variety of ways. Interviewers do not want to be bored with facts and figures. Instead, they want to hear compelling stories that will have an emotional impact. So, prepare for your interview by conjuring up a unique and appropriate way to communicate your messages.
-
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Pinpoint what your strengths are before the interview and be ready to highlight them without coming across as arrogant or boastful. At the same time, know what your weaknesses are and try to think of a clever way to communicate them without sabotaging your chance at getting the job.
-
Ask the Right Questions
Be prepared to interview the interviewer! When you ask questions, you show the recruiters that you have given good thought into what this position may entail. The type of questions you ask could also be used to indicate to the interviewer that you know your stuff and that you have done your research dutifully.
To put the cherry on top of each interview you attend – always remember to say thank you. Thank the interviewers for their time and for the opportunity. A “thank you” note can be sent via email, which we think is the most appropriate method. This way, you can express your sincere gratitude and have one last go at expressing your professionalism and good etiquette.
I agree with your idea of asking questions to your employer because it will show your great interest towards the job. As a recruiter, it’s a big factor of hiring someone who keeps asking questions about the job it means he/she is committed to the position.